June 8, 2006

Al Qaeda's leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was killed in an American air strike on an isolated safe house north of Baghdad at 6.15 p.m. local time on Wednesday....

"Today, we have managed to put an end to Zarqawi," said a beaming [Nuri Kamal al-Maliki], who took office three weeks ago at the head of Iraq's first full-term government since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. He said the death should be a warning to other insurgent leaders. "They should stop now," he said. "They should review their situation and resort to logic while there is still time."

I assume that's a translation, but I love the line "They should review their situation and resort to logic...." If only we could all be logical. We did need to kill someone, but the killing is now a premise to put in your syllogism and conclude it's time to stop.

My compliments to the intelligence officers who tracked this evil SOB down, and the pilot who pulled the trigger. Thank you guys. Sorry you won't be getting the 25 million, but I'll buy you a beer any day of the week.

If recent reports I've read on the Belmont Club about enemy casualties and pullouts are correct, Al Queda in Mesopotamia could now all meet in one of their mother's garages. Losers.

It's not VJ day, either. But I can't help feeling a sense of satisfaction. One small domino down. If the mission in Iraq is likened to an arduous walk through the desert, Zarqawi's death is like finding an oasis. Linger there, enjoy the water and shade, but there's plenty of heat, pain and sweat ahead.

I've got a crsip $20.00 says it was Jordanian intelligence operatives that 'tagged' him in that village. Not only was zarqawi wanted in Jordan, he was a source of inspiration for the jihadists there. It darn sure wasn't some blue-eyed GI with a midwest accent lurking in the shadows in that village that spotted him, but hey, a villain has bitten the dust and the team effort paid off.

Zarqawi's dirt nap should be celebrated by all. The critics say it is too soon to know how it will effect the war. However, sometimes effective leadership is not recognized until the leader is gone and replaced. I am not sure how popular Zarqawi was inside Iraq, but outside he was the most charismatic and popular figure - mostly by his ability to escape capture. With him gone, recruiting and raising money will be more difficult for the terrorists.

I thought it was great that the entire Iraqi press corps stood up and applauded when they heard the news. If only our press corps could be as patriotic.

Today is an excellent day to listen to the responses of politicians, especially the potential Democratic nominnees, and discern authenticity.

Irrational exuberance?

Relief for the people of Iraq and our troops?

Cautious optimism?

Somewhat pleased, but visibly annoyed that something went the Administration's way?

Angry that all the idiots fooled by Bush into linking Iraq with terrorism have a new non-event to rally around?

On a related note...

I was surprised and saddened to hear the father of the slain WSJ reporter on Fox this morning expressing displeasure that, "yet another person" (Z)had died at the hands of GWB.

In one breath he said he'd forgiven Z, in the next he accused the FBI of doctoring the video to make it appear that Z beheaded his son.

It was an extremely sad interview- for the views expressed, for the paralyzing bitterness this father exuded, and for the way the "Fox & Friends" hosts snapped back at him instead of respecting his grief.

If any group can be forgiven for wanting America to lose this fight, it should be the parents who have lost children in it.

"If any group can be forgiven for wanting America to lose this fight, it should be the parents who have lost children in it."

I disagree. They more than anyone should not want their child to have died to cover a unilateral surrender by the United States. One can certainly understand the overwhelming, paralyzing grief of a bereaved parent, and even forgive irrational statements made at the height of that grief, but I do not think someone like Cindy Sheehan - who capitalize on their loss to advantage their own political views - deserve forgiveness, and I do not think that anyone who admits to wanting America to lose this fight should be forgiven or understood.

the entire Iraqi press corps stood up and applauded when they heard the news. If only our press corps could be as patriotic.

I'd even settle for enough common sense to actually be glad when something like this happens. I almost wonder if it would be better for the war if a democrat is elected in 08. Maybe that will get the press behind the war--or at least get them to stop reporting only the setbacks.

"If any group can be forgiven for wanting America to lose this fight, it should be the parents who have lost children in it."

Simon, onelmom lost control of her tone here. She was being satiric. If she had written, "OF COURSE parents who have lost kids in the war want America to lose, so as to render that sacrifice utterly meaningless," the satire would have been clear. As written, unfortunately, it comes across as the kind of barbaric and witless remark you'd normally expect from Ann's two normal stalkers.

Google his name, and you will find that he has been saying this type of stuff since the murder of his son. It's typical of the press that this is the guy they go to for reaction on the day Zarqawi finally gets his raisins...

Guess it goes to show that I can forgive a grieving parent for just about anything. Blame pregnancy hormones, or the fact that my little boy is turning 3 this week. In my mind, there is an understandable link between the loss of a child and craziness.

Personally, I'd cling to the belief that my loss was for a noble cause even if it became logically untenable. So who am I to blame Shehan and WSJ dad for going the other way?

Finally got in - Ann, you should seriously think about moving to a more reliable blogging environment than blogger. It may just be getting too popular, but the problems seem to be getting worse.

That said, I too love the "logic" quote. But I have my doubts about how much logic can be used here. After all, the Sunni Arabs only make up about 20% of the Iraqi population, yet up until his death, the Z-Man was exorting them to also kill the blathemous idol worshiping Shiites, along with Jews and Crusaders.

That doesn't show a lot of logic, esp. given the 200,000+ Iraqi security forces that have been trained up and are being deployed, most of whom are either not Sunni or not Arab.

I should note though that al-Maliki is more likely speaking to the Sunni Iraqis, who are rapidly coming into line against al Qaeda - there was an announcement yesterday (I think) about a major group of Sunni militias, et al. announcing a non-cooperation agreement with al Qaeda - they all agreed to not cooperate with the non-Iraqi insurgents. And that may actually be the major breakthrough of the week, and not the killing of Zarqawi and some of his closest advisors.

On the "Logic" comment, Z's termination provides both Iraqi insurgents and external terrorists with the opportunity to go quietly into the night. I hope the Iraqi government uses this opportunity to do some politicking in the Sunni community and allows some face saving while shutting off local support to the killers.

I was amazed at the difference in the reactions from the Iraqi press corps: jubilant applause

and the WH Press Corps: "well what does that mean for the President's immigration reform? WTF?

How about a few seconds of clapping about some good news for our country rather than the politics of any given situation

In reading the linked NYTimes story by John Burns, I was somewhat bemused that he could bring himself to write "terrorist Zarqawi"...oh, no, it was always "insurgent" although he did acknowledge him to be the leader of the terrorist group al Qaeda...I guess that's quite a concession for the MSM.

It's certainly good news for America, that a murdering thug is dead. And this will certainly help get rid of the al-Qaeda folks in Iraq. And it certainly enhances our stature there.

Now, hopefully our President will take the opportunity that this opens to declare victory and get out. What remains is a sectarian division between Sunnis and Shias, and there is no benefit to America to remaining there.

If we'd been smart, we'd have left after the similar opportunity when Saddam Hussein was captured. If we announce that we are leaving now (or very shortly, as soon as we've finished acting on the intel that was captured today) then no one will be able to claim that Zarqawi 'chased' us out. The stupid thing to do would be to remain, and lose this opportunity.

If we'd been smart, we'd have left after the similar opportunity when Saddam Hussein was captured. If we announce that we are leaving now (or very shortly, as soon as we've finished acting on the intel that was captured today) then no one will be able to claim that Zarqawi 'chased' us out.

Everyone would immediately see that as some pretty obvious spinning.

"Declare victory and go home" was always bad advice. It falsely set up a cause/effect relationship between saying you're finished with something and being able to leave it. Actual victory ought to count for something.